Harper eligible for $1 million Aspen Prize for third consecutive time

For the third consecutive time, Harper College is eligible for the nation’s signature recognition for community colleges – the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program recently announced its selection of 200 community colleges invited to apply to the 2027 Aspen Prize out of more than 1,000 institutions nationwide. Aspen selected institutions based on student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment rates.

Awarded every two years since 2010, the Aspen Prize honors colleges with outstanding achievement. Over the coming months, the colleges that apply for the Aspen Prize will be assessed based on student outcomes data, ranging from student transfer and completion rates to employment and wages after graduation and whether they have engaged in scaled practices that led to high and improving student outcomes.

Harper was named a Top 20 semifinalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 semifinalist for the 2023 edition. The college was also eligible for the 2017 edition of the prestigious recognition.

“Earning a place, for the third consecutive time, among the top community colleges eligible for the Aspen Prize is an incredible affirmation of Harper College’s mission to transform lives through education,” said Dr. Avis Proctor, president of Harper College. “Earlier this year, Harper was also selected to become a member of the Aspen Institute’s Unlocking Opportunity network. Through our participation we are deepening this work – ensuring that every student has access to high-quality programs, meaningful credentials, and strengthened pathways to achieve their goals and contribute to the vitality of our communities.”

In August, Harper joined the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program’s expanded Unlocking Opportunity network – an innovative partnership between colleges from across the nation. The initiative aims to ensure more students complete degrees that open doors to rewarding, sustainable careers.

“The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students – completing college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real.”

In 2026, Aspen will narrow the field to 25 semifinalists, then 10 finalists. The 2027 Aspen Prize winner will be announced in spring 2027.